If there is no one magic bullet, how can we improve vehicle operation to achieve better fuel economy and lower emissions?
The answer is to use the right combination of proven technologies and products to mechanically improve engine operation. In addition, the utilization of vehicle and driver fleet management technologies will improve results.
Starting with engine improvement, what can be utilized are:
- Better choice of engine lubricants – There are classes of high performance lubricant modifiers that can considerably reduce friction; reduce energy requirements; and thereby reduce fuel consumption. These products can be used in main engine lubrication systems; transmissions; and other power train areas. The other benefit is to increase engine life and improve the initial equipment investment. These products can reduce fuel consumption 3 to 5 percent. Fuel Treatments (not “snake oils”) that have been proven scientifically in both accredited laboratories and in millions of miles of road testing. These proven products provide more complete combustion of fuels and thereby fully utilize the fuel’s maximum power and also, by more complete combustion, reduce emissions. With the use of ULSD there can be more wear in the injection and the newer technologies can improve the system operations.
- Crank Case Vapor (CCV) capture and re-introduction into the combustion process – In older engines the CCV fumes are expelled into the atmosphere and create unwanted pollutants. These hydrocarbon-rich vapors can now be captured and reintroduced into the combustion process. Even with the newer engine systems that capture the CCV emissions, they are not utilized as supplemental fuels.
- More complete treatment of exhaust gases using PM Traps, Advanced EGR or SCR systems.
- Pretreatment of fuels in engines prior to injection to better homonogize the hydrocarbon fuel elements.
The results are that using some or all of these technologies can definitely improve engine operation to reduce fuel/emissions. These technologies/products do their job as long as the engine systems are in operation.
To complete the process of trying to achieve the maximum results, one must now control the OTHER major factor in fuel/emission reductions – THE DRIVER.
Controlling the driver utilizing the newer vehicle fleet management technologies is an effective, proven way to reduce fuel/emissions.
- With the newer GPS hardware and software systems there is the capability to record, evaluate, and reduce idle time. States have established laws to set the length of idle time.
- Every reduced hour of idle relates to one gallon of fuel saved. Company management now has effective tools to reduce idle time, which means reduced fuel costs and lowering of emissions.
- Effective route planning – Planning delivery stops can provide more effective vehicle operation and create more conservation of fuel and lowering of emissions.
- Speeding – It has been proven that in controlling excessive vehicle speed, there is a corresponding reduction of fuel used. Using specific software and engine management programs, speeding can be identified and corrected.
In summary, it can be said that there are options and effective tools to reduce fuel/emissions. There may be no one magic bullet to accomplish these objectives, but by using present technologies and products a great amount of excellent results can be accomplished. Owners of vehicles can see very quick ROI when using some of the products, but can also see improvements in company profitability and at the same time helping the environment.
With combined technologies/products these savings can be in the 18- to 25-percent range, and ROI can be determined in months. Governmental agencies can assist vehicle owners and fleets by promoting the concepts and providing effective funding.
Richard Stollman is the president of International Engine Technologies in Sarasota, Fla. He can be contacted at integine@aol.com.
